My Pal, Stacy Julian

Wow--this has been a week of catching up with dear friends! I had meetings in the office today and was pleasantly surprised when Stacy Julian walked in the building. She lives in Washington and was here for a day of meetings.
I haven't seen Stacy since I read her amazing book The Big Picture (published by Simple Scrapbooks). I was so happy to have the chance to tell her in person how much I LOVE that book. It's sooooo inspiring and reminds each of us on every page why we are engaged in this incredible hobby. Seriously, if you don't have this book, RUN to the nearest store and get it!
Stacy is they type of person you'd just like to "hang" with for a week. She's very funny, down-to-earth and has a million and one ideas rolling around in her brain at any given time. And--after having four sons, she's about to adopt a baby girl. She was born in July and Stacy and her husband are waiting for the final nod to go get her (somewhere in the orient). Congrats, Stacy! You'll make a terrific "girl" mom. Oh--I promised Stacy that I'd mention that she didn't go to bed at all last night. That's right--zero sleep. She was a little mortified when I told her this photo was going on my blog. I think you'll all agree that she looks beautiful even with no sleep.
By the way, we are in the office of Brian Tippetts, CK's art director. I love his walls--very eclectic and full of ideas for future issues. He's a great art director and makes the magazine look so top notch. Thanks, Brian!

My Friend, Becky Higgins

Almost ten years ago, my mom was sitting by a young lady at church who was the nanny for one of her neighbors. She began chatting with her, asking if she knew anyone who would be a good nanny to help her daughter who was starting a business. My mom was worried about me because I was about to have my third child and Creating Keepsakes magazine had just published its third issue. She knew I needed help. The young gal asked what I did and when my mom said "she started a scrapbook magazine" she said "is it Lisa Bearnson?" Well--the rest is history. The young girl's name was (and still is!) Becky Higgins and my mom shared some of her sample pages with me. I loved her style, used her as a freelance page designer for several months, then hired her full time.
Little did we know what an incredible icon she'd become in the scrapbooking industry. Her books are best sellers, her articles so meaningful and her scrapbooking style timeless.
While I don't see Becky as often as I'd like, I've had the opportunity to spend some time with her over this past weekend (first in Boston for CKU and today in Utah for meetings). I really wish you all could get to know Becky the way I know her. She's unpretentious, a loyal friend and a person who'd help anyone in need. Plus her creativity blows me away at times. I am honored and blessed to call her friend.
Today, take the opportunity to thank a friend who has made a difference in your life. Pick up the phone, write a note or best yet make a scrapbook page to honor your special relationship. Thanks, BH, for making a difference in mine.

It's a Wonderful World!

This past week I've been in Philly (QVC--thanks for your support), NYC (corporate meetings) and Boston (CKU Boston). I'm actually in Boston right now at the beautiful Seaport Hotel. When I travel, I'm always a people watcher. As I observe other human beings, I can't help but think how people really are the same everywhere I go. We all eat, sleep, get dressed and try our best to get the most from our day. Some of the unfortunate people I saw lying on the streets of NYC just try to get through the day. We also have the need to love and be loved. It amazes me how everywhere I go there are such great people to be found. Some of my very best friends are gals (and a few guys) that I've met through this amazing scrapbooking industry. For example, I met up with Gladys Hedaya, and her husband Ezra for dinner last night in Manhattan. I met Gladys on a CK scrapbooking cruise almost two years ago and we've been great friends ever since. I feel like such a lucky girl!

I called home this afternoon and my adorable hubby of almost 17 years was juggling all the kids schedules--Brecken had to be at piano lessons, Kade at a football game and Collin at football practice (all at the same time). Again I thought what a lucky girl I am to have a great man by my side. He truly takes the pressure off when I'm away from home.

Just want to put a shout out to Steven Roy Bearnson and let him know I love him and am glad I said "I Do" nearly 17 years ago.

Have a great night!

My Little Shadow

I faithfully use the Simple Scrapbooks daily planner book--it's a great size and easy to use. Each day, a little challenge is given. Friday's was to "capture a shadow in a picture." I realized I'd never done this before, so I was determined to try my skills this weekend. As I thought of different shots I could take, suddenly I realized I've got TONS of shots of my little shadow. Her name is Sage Adeline Bearnson and she's addicted to her mom. I'm pretty crazy about her too! She's definitely a mommy's girl and while sometimes I wish she'd let someone else help her, I really wouldn't have it any other way.

Yesterday we went up in the canyon for a family reunion and together we made paper airplanes, rolled down hills, tried to catch butterflies and forged small streams. Brecken came along for the fun but she's past the mommy's girl stage.

Okay--now the truth comes out. I'm pretty much in mourning mode because my little shadow's going off to Kindergarten this year. September 8th is the dreaded day. Who will be here to help me make my bed in the morning, sit on the counter as I apply makeup, eat cheese sandwiches for lunch and sing silly songs throughout the day?
I know--school's a wonderful thing and I'm sure I'll be excited to see all the new thing's she's learning. It's just really hard sending your last one off into the "real" world.

Thanks for listening and I'm sure you're saying, "It'll be alright, Lisa." I can already hear you cheering me on!

I'll remember my own advice. That is to "find joy in the journey."

Talk to you soon,
Lisa

Mishaps in Yellowstone

My August message on my home page describes a wonderful trip that I recently took to Yellowstone with my parents, husband and daughters. Here are some photos of our gang along with an adorable photo of my parents walking down a quiet dirt road holding hands.

What I didn't disclose were the many mishaps along the way. While traveling to the park, Steve took a sharp turn in our truck while driving out of a gas station and the 40-foot fifth wheel (a cross between a trailer and motor home) we were towing behind the truck didn't quite make the turn. Instead it came crashing into the back of the truck, shattering the window directly behind my mom's head. With hundreds of pieces of glass in her hair, down her shirt and pants and all over her body she calmly looked at me at said, "Did Steve mean to do that?" We all still go into fits of laughter when we think of her response! Luckily all was okay--my mom only had one small scratch on the back of her neck. We all pitched in, swept up the mess and duct-taped the window. (Thank goodness for Duct Tape!) Just moments after the last piece was attached, a huge downpour of rain descending upon us and we were able to get in the car before we got drenched. My 5-year-old's response once we all got in the car was priceless. She said,"I prayed that it wouldn't rain until we got the window fixed and Heavenly Father answered my prayer!" Oh the faith of a child! The rest of the trip to Yellowstone was spent in good spirits despite the $1,500 worth of damage. My favorite part was hearing my dad and 9-year-old Brecken singing duets together.

The next day Steve and I were riding a motorcyle through the park when we got caught in another downpour including hail. Try riding through this on a motorcycle going 50 miles an hour--not fun! We were grateful to finally get to a lodge where I bought new sweat pants and stood under a hand dryer for several minutes!

The next day was perfect except Sage woke up soaked on a brand new bunk bead mattress. She'd had an accident during the night and just slept right through it. I remembered what my dad said when I was 16 and went through the automatic garage door with my first car--"People are worth more than things." So--I didn't make a big deal about it and cleaned it up the best I could. Any advice on cleaning mattresses? Please post them to me. I've never really known the secret to this!

All in all a GREAT trip. I'd recommend Yellowstone to anyone of any age. What a wonderful time!

Find Joy in the Journey!

Lisa B.

P.S. I took 162 Yellowsone photos in two days. I'm sure you'll be seeing lots of layouts!